BUILDING COMMUNITY. TRANSFORMING LIVES. ENGAGING THE WORLD. | |
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The LORD had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives,
and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you.” – Genesis 12:1
God promises Abram and Sarai that with each step they take, another blessing will unfold. Blessings in front of blessings. But the couple would have to wait for the fulfillment of those blessings. First, they must start their journey not knowing their destination.
Abram and Sarai’s first steps are not toward anything, just away from everything they knew. That’s the risk that we the people of God take when we set out in faith. We must trust first; trust that each wandering step is one taken toward God, toward more, toward a fuller future. In a similar way Jesus called his disciples to leave their nets and follow him. There is a sense in which we must abandon the past, make an about-face, and start fresh in the service of Jesus.
The journey of faith is not described in terms of years lived, or miles logged, or anything else accumulated along the way. Instead, the journey is made up of single steps, each one counting, each one adding meaning and purpose to the next, each one full of its own lessons and setbacks, victories and dustups. God imagined bigger things for Abram and Sarai—immense things. Far beyond their knowing. Sometimes the only way into faith is to leave behind what we know in search of what God knows. Faith is going without knowing.
My wife, Karen, and I have sensed a similar call, but our call to New Bern and First Presbyterian Church wasn’t necessarily a call away from the familiar, but a call toward something new. God is imagining bigger things for us. That we trust. Right now, they are beyond our knowing. They are for our discovering. And we are excited to see what God has for us in this “new land” that God has showed us.
Be kind. Love Big.
Patrick
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October 4
Blessing of the Animals and Fellowship Supper
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Fellowship Supper at 6:00 pm on the First Presbyterian Church, New Bern Lawn
(in front of the Session House)
An Avolis Grilled BBQ Chicken Spectacular!
Also on the menu: Traditional Jamaican Peas and Rice, Steamed Vegetables, Caribbean Slaw, Cornbread, and Assorted Desserts
(thank you Amazing Grazers House Church!)
Please reserve your spot by Monday, Oct. 2, at 5:00 pm
When you sign up (either here or by calling the church office)
you will also be asked if you can help.
We particularly need help moving tables and chairs before and after.
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William Lee Hawkins Library News | |
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AUTHORS AMONGST US!
As I write this brief article for the October newsletter, we are awaiting the return of Lloyd Griffith and others in our congregation who have been on pilgrimage to Iona, Scotland. Next month on Sunday, November 5th, we will be celebrating the retirement of Lloyd as he leaves his position as Parish Associate for First Presbyterian Church, New Bern. Reflecting back on all Lloyd has done for our congregation since he arrived in 2006 (if my dates are correct!), the list is long and well known to many of you, including, for the purpose of this newsletter article, two books sharing his life and faith which he wrote during his tenure with us. And, so, our featured AUTHOR this month is the Reverend Lloyd Griffith. Both of these volumes are in our library: Trust the Wildness: A Trail Guide for your Spiritual Journey (248.2 GRI) and Soul Force: A Story About the Rebirthing of Divine Presence in a Postmodern World (248.4 GRI and on the First Presbyterian Author’s Shelf as FPA 248.4 GRI). Each has been previously reviewed, but I did want to redirect attention in their direction one more time. Besides the impact he has had on individual lives, these two books will continue to impact our members long after LG vacated his office on the second floor of the Ministry Center.
Lloyd is, in this way, one in a line of First Pres pastors whose books are included within our collection. Here is a little trip down memory lane:
—The History of First Presbyterian Church in New Bern N.C. 1817-1886 by Rev. Lachlan Vass, our pastor during Reconstruction after the Civil War. (285 FIR) This is the first volume in a more complete history of the church, with the second volume being….
—The History of First Presbyterian Church of New Bern, North Carolina 1886-1987 by Rev. John Murphy Smith. (285 FIR)
—“Murphy”, as he was known to our old-timers, also left us, The Prayers of the Reverend J Murphy Smith (242 SMI and FPA 242 SMI on the First Pres Authors shelf).
—The First Pres timeline next brings us to one of our much beloved interim pastors from the 1990’s, Rev. James S. Lowry (“Jim”) and his two literary gifts, Prayers for the Lord’s Day - Hope for the Exiles (FPA 252 LOW) and Low-Back, Ladder-Back, Cane-Bottom Chair - Biblical Meditations (FPA 252 LOW) the later of which has been previously reviewed in this column.
—And finally, Rev. Dr. William L Hawkins (for whom our library is named) and the author of In and Out of Every Season - Sermons for Random Occasions in the Life of a Congregation (FPA 252 HAW).
Pastors, friends, AUTHORS - all! Maybe one day we can add the Rev. Dr. Anna Pinckney Straight or the Rev. Patrick Ryan to the shelves! In the meantime, for the month of October our monthly selections will be on the big table in the middle of the library on the second floor of the Ministry Center.
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Lunch Wagon Outing - October 6, 10:30 am | | |
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Oriental Ol' Front Porch Music Festival
We will plan on eating at M&M's (Dutch treat)
before the festival.
Cost - Free
Contact Yvonne Olmstead
or the church office to sign up.
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Rothermel Foundation Program - October 22, 2:00 pm | |
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The Rothermel Foundation is proud to introduce James C Peterson, PhD, presenting the program: Human Gene Editing for the Good Life on Sunday, October 22nd, at 2:00 pm at First Presbyterian Church, New Bern.
Geneticists are now able to directly edit genes in patients and their children. Peterson, a Schumann Professor of Ethics at Roanoke College and Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, will give a first-hand report of how geneticists across the world have been meeting to discern and encourage the best use of this transformative technology for healing human disease, and maybe even enhancement. He will discuss how the most influential religious traditions, such as the Christian faith, have thought about the role of genes and gene editing.
Rothermel Foundation presentations are free to the public and last approximately one hour followed by a short question-and-answer session with the presenter. For more information please visit RothermelFoundation.org.
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If you are interested in a detailed calendar of upcoming Children, Youth, and Family Ministry opportunities, or volunteering, please reach out to Catherine Campbell, Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministry: catherine@firstpresnb.org | |
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The choirs at First Presbyterian Church have resumed their rehearsal schedule after a very busy summer! There is always room for more singers if you would like to join. All the adult choirs rehearse on Thursdays afternoons at 5:15 pm (Resurrection Singers 5:00 pm on the second Thursday). For a full schedule contact Pat Rowlett.
The Covenant Choir and Preschool Choirs began their rehearsals with fun activities on September 11 and 13. If your child would like to participate there’s still room! Contact Pat for more information.
Our new organist Daniel (Mr. Dan) Sansone joined in on all the rehearsals, learning the movements right along with the kids! He’s a good sport and we’re so grateful to have his musical talents for our worship services and rehearsals.
Yours in Christ,
Pat Kerr Rowlett
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Thank you from Daniel Sansone | |
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I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for the warm welcome that my wife Mikaele and I have received and continue to receive as we begin a new and exciting chapter in our lives. We have settled into New Bern and are just beginning to enjoy its beauty and all of the wonderful things there are to see and do.
For the many cards, email messages, gifts and all of the delicious ‘pounding goodies’ we have received, we are so very grateful. But most of all, we are grateful to the Church Staff and faithful Church Members of First Presbyterian Church for your continued prayers and affirmation as I begin my ministry as Associate Director of Music and Organist. We have met so many wonderful folks and look forward to meeting many more in the coming weeks and months ahead! I hope you will feel welcome to stop by my office in the Ministry Center or at the organ after worship to say hello.
May God continue to bless each you,
Daniel and Mikaele Sansone
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Organ Recital - November 10, 7:00 pm | |
Presbyterian Women Update | |
The Presbyterian Women’s Bible Study for this year is Sacred Encounters. The first lesson was about the sacred encounter that occurred between the aged Elizabeth and her virgin cousin Mary during The Visitation. Both were shocked by their pregnancies but accepted them unquestioningly and faithfully as God’s will. In honor of the meeting of these soon-to-be mothers, Circle 4 member Jaina Olesen provided a ‘baby shower’ to her fellow members. It was complete with decorations and even the gifts of Pampers and adorable little baby sandals for baby Jesus and baby John! These were then donated to RCS. Thanks to Jaina’s creativity, Circle 4 got off to a great start this year.
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Backpack Blessings turns 10 | |
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Never let it be said this Backpack Blessings gang doesn't know how to party!
Sept 28th marked our 10th year anniversary of operation in helping Craven, and now Jones and Pamlico counties, feed at risk kids on the weekend. A HUGE celebration with over 300 attendees including live music, door prizes (our own Bob Little won a t-shirt!), food (with the First Pres. chef's cookin' up those dogs for over 300 folks), snow cones, face painting, bouncy houses, and slides. People of all ages came and just celebrated being together and helping to serve our fellow Eastern North Carolinians. We even got in a 'build' in at the end to help get our supply of weekend snack packs up to the levels required to meet the needs of our ever expanding list of 'food insecure' kids.
As always, we are grateful for the support our church staff, Session, and congregants give this local ministry through your prayers and commitment, financial resources, and talents.
*ALSO, in a 'just in' news flash, once again New Hope Presbytery has awarded Backpack Blessings a $2,000. grant for the 2023-24 school year to support their ministry of feeding God's children. Thank you Presbytery! With your support, and that of our church and other ecumenical, business, and medical partners, our mission continues to move forward.
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Photos from the Build on September 29
4,500 Bags Packed!
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The 43rd Annual New Bern Crop Hunger Walk was a Huge Success! A beautiful Sunday. September 24 brought out over 300 Walkers representing 27 Walk Teams to Union Point Park to celebrate the CROP Hunger Walk. The Walk is an outreach by Church World Service, an international ministry dedicated to combatting hunger, poverty, and the impact of disasters. Nearly $35,000 was raised by the Walk in Sunday. 25% of those funds will be used locally by Religious Community Services (RCS) in their ongoing efforts to eliminate poverty and respond to human needs.
Walkers enjoyed their choice of a 1-Mile route or a 3.5 mile route. Water Stops and Passport Learning Stations greeted the Walkers along the way. City of New Bern Parks and Recreation workers did a fantastic job in making the Park ready on the heels of departing Tropical Storm Ophelia. New Bern Police Department escorted the Walkers at busy street crossings.
Pictured above is Pete Deichmann, FPC Member, acknowledging the tribute to his recently passed brother, Mike Deichmann, a great friend to RCS. Pete’s company Trent Cadillac-Buick-GMC also won the Golden Sneaker Award for the team with the most New Walkers!
Thanks again to the First Presbyterian Team and church members. Numbers are still being tallied, but the Team will be among the top fund-raising Teams of the 2023 - New Bern CROP Hunger Walk! Walker Susan Mabie took individual honors raising over $2500!
Mark your calendars! The 2024 CROP Hunger Walk will be held on
Sunday, September 29, 2024 – Union Point Park.
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Update from East Carolina University UKirk | |
It's been six weeks into the Fall semester and many of the students have had their first set of exams in their classes. Many have attended soccer and football games and cheered on the Pirates. UKirk Ministries at East Carolina University continue to create a space for fellowship and friendship through Free Food Monday gatherings. We've had 33 people on average at the weekly gatherings. On September 18, the congregants at First Presbyterian Church in Greenville prepared a delicious meal for our students to come and enjoy. Beyond the meal, our students were able to connect with ECU professors and staff members from the congregation who attended the meal. UKirk is partnering with St. James United Methodist Church for its game night and there were over thirty people who attended the first one. | |
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A sign-up sheet was passed and we saw that there were ten countries represented from the students who attend the game night. Many enjoyed a delicious chili and cornbread meal and shared laughter and joy through board games, basketball and volleyball.
At the end of September, UKirk and Greenville Wesley will be going on a joint fall retreat at Camp Don Lee where we will have a chance to relax by the waters of Neuse River, go sailing, do team building activities, and connect with God as we claim our identity as God's beloved. In October, St. James will host a Free Food Monday and our students will get another chance to meet more ECU professors and staff members over a table fellowship. We are also looking forward to another game night in October. Please visit our homepage to see pictures and announcements for our ministry - www.ukirkec.org
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Please remember that we/First Presbyterian Church will NEVER email or text you and ask you to purchase gift cards for a special need and tell you that we are not available to talk and/or ask you not to call. The only legitimate FPC email addresses end in firstpresnb.org and we always want you to call!
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Mark Your Calendars!
Sunday, November 5
Celebrating the ministry of
the Rev. Lloyd Griffith during 11:00 am worship
and afterwards at a reception in the Session House
Sunday, December 3 ~ 9:40 am - 10:40 am
Advent Craft Fair!
Want to know more? Visit the calendar page on firstpresnb.org
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First Presbyterian Church, New Bern Staff
Anna Pinckney Straight - Pastor
anna@firstpresnb.org
Patrick Ryan - Associate Pastor
patrick@firstpresnb.org
Lloyd Griffith - Parish Associate
lloyd@firstpresnb.org
Catherine Campbell - Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministry
catherine@firstpresnb.org
Pat K. Rowlett - Director of Music
pat@firstpresnb.org
Daniel Sansone - Associate Director of Music & Organist
daniel@firstpresnb.org
Tim Elliott - Facilities Manager
property@firstpresnb.org
Dawn Inglis - Office Administrator
church@firstpresnb.org
Kerri Wheeler - Preschool Director
kerri@firstpresnb.org
Summer Hough - Financial Administrator
summer@firstpresnb.org
Louis Foye - Sexton
Richard Colflesh - Maintenance
property@firstpresnb.org
pastoroncall@firstpresnb.org
After office hours or on the weekend,
a good way to reach a pastor will be to
email the pastor on call.
Communications
comms@firstpresnb.org
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Share your News!
Have an article for the newsletter? Want an announcement placed in the bulletin? See something we should post on social media? Have photos of a church event to share? Email comms@firstpresnb.org to get your news shared!
Bulletin Deadline:
Mondays at 12:00 pm
Weekly Word Deadline:
Mondays at 12:00 pm
First Edition/Monthly Newsletter Deadline:
the 15th of the month at 12:00 pm
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Physical Address
400 New Street,
New Bern, NC 28560
Mailing Address
PO Box 1069,
New Bern, NC 28563
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Church Office Hours
Monday - Thursday
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Friday
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
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